Ahead of the Curve

The lending environment is undergoing a worrying change. Funds that European direct lenders have raised but not yet deployed are at an all-time high and banks in most Western-European jurisdictions have renewed lending following years of reticence after the global financial crisis, leading to increased competition amongst lenders in the small and medium enterprise (SME) market.

Henderson European equities director Elwes leaves

UK – Ben Elwes, director of European equities at Henderson Global Investors, has left and been replaced by Andrew Koch from HSBC Asset Management.

Henderson said in a statement that Koch would join on April 19 as director of European equities, replacing Elwes. “He’s leaving the company,” said a spokesman, of Elwes.

Koch will report to John Botham, director of the European specialist team. He would work alongside fund manager and manage the Henderson European Fund.

"We are delighted Andrew is joining the team,” said Richard Carlyle, co-head of equities. “He has over 11 years experience in the investment industry and has an excellent performance track record in European equities.